Textile Recycling

Reduce your company's carbon footprint by recycling fabrics
By Trisha Schulz When it comes to clothing recycling, very little is left over that isn't used in the process. Some textiles become polishing cloths. Cotton can be made into rags or high-quality paper. Knit and wool can be used in car insulation or seat stuffing. Other types of fabric can be reprocessed into upholstery and insulation. Even buttons and zippers can be re-used. Leftover natural materials can be composted. If all means of reduce-reuse-recycle are utilized, the remaining solid waste can be as little as 5%.

The textile recycling industry doesn't just have an environmental impact, but also an economic one. More than 500 textile recycling companies are in operation in the U.S. When accounting for both primary and secondary processors, we're talking about a $300 million-plus annual business.

Consider this other textile recycling information:

1. The textile recycling industry removes 2.5 billion pounds of textile product waste from the solid waste stream.

2. Up to 93% of waste industries in the business of recycling textiles don't produce any new hazardous waste or harmful by-products.

3. While a few communities have fabric recycling programs, about 85% of this waste occupies about 4% of landfill space.

Find textile recycling companies to send waste

A number of companies will get rid of your textile waste for recycling purposes. Make sure you do your research so you are choosing a company that can utilize your waste effectively.
Try:  Harmony Industries Inc. offers full- and less-than-a-truckload service pickup. The company specializes in synthetic textile by-products like nylon and making textile-reinforced rubber goods such as conveyor belting and pressure hose. Leigh Fibers, Inc., based in South Carolina, accepts a range of materials from thread waste to remnants.

Stay on top of the market for recycling fabric

Just as with other recyclables, at any given time certain fabrics may be more desirable than others. Keep up on trends in the market so you can maximize your recycling energy.
Try:  Get a textile recycling market analysis from Recycling International; it's updated frequently. Also check prices on recycled fabrics, such as those sold by Rockywoods Fabrics.

Make a profit off textile waste recycling

Not only can you reduce your waste bill by recycling, some recycling companies may even wish to purchase your waste material, depending on the market.
Try:  Browse through North American Wool Stock Inc.'s list of items they will purchase. ALA Recycling Industries buys cotton denim among other textile waste products.

• Contact the clothing recycling company to verify policies such as minimum quantities, restrictions and prices. You'll also want to double check the location and hours of operation before delivery of any textiles. For large quantities, you may want to consider contracting for collection service.